Pro Life Progress

By Deacon Mike Murphy, St. Mary’s Parish, May 2006

So many articles are written, speeches, and predictions made about the amount of harm that is done to our society by legalized abortion on demand. Since 1973, abortion has been permitted for any reason, at any point during a pregnancy. These articles, homilies, speeches etc. by their nature, are serious attempts to educate, motivate, and to stand firm in the face of our society’s drift toward a culture of death. No one could possibly say anything other than there is a long way to go in the battle for life. We are far from being a nation that embraces all innocent life from conception to natural death. Many obstacles remain and our opponents are well financed and powerful. However, there is progress being made. Being by nature an optimist, and trusting in the inherent goodness of most people and most of all, faith in the power of God’s spirit to heal this national scandal, I am pleased to report to you just a few of the positives that are emerging in the fight for life.

This is not a complete list and it is in no particular order of importance. But it is evidence that the Holy Spirit is leading us in the right direction.

· Two pro-life judges appointed to the US Supreme Court. Justices Roberts and Alito.

· South Dakota bans all abortions in the state except to save the mother’s life.

· A May 4 Harris poll found that support for unlimited abortion has dropped below 50% for the first time in 30 years. It also showed that 44% of Americans said they would support a law in their own state banning all abortions except to save the mother's life.

· Florida law provides for parental notification of a minor’s request for abortion.

· Increased use of ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers helps women see their baby in such detail many turn away from abortion and carry their child to full term.

· Congress passes and the President signed a ban on partial birth abortion. (Being challenged in court)

· President reinstates Mexico City Policy (bans use of U.S. money for organizations that promote abortion overseas)

· A stop put on federal funding of new embryonic stem cell research.

· Bush administration finalized coverage of Unborn Child in Health Insurance.

· States may classify a developing fetus as an “unborn child” eligible for government health care giving low-income women access to prenatal care.

· 2002 Bush signs Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.

· Florida law passed and signed which states that if an unborn, viable baby dies when its mother is killed it is a dual homicide.

· Funding or performing abortions in overseas US military hospitals continues to be banned.

· President nominates numerous pro-life persons to represent the United States at the UN and other international organizations.

· Rates of abortion in women ages 15-44 are down from 30 per 1000 women in 1980 to 20 per 1000 women in 2000.

There are many more positive signs the culture of life is gaining ground. We cannot give up until all innocent life is valued and the dignity of life is respected. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Deacon Mike